United Independent School District proudly congratulates Associate Superintendent Emma Leza on being recognized with the inaugural Texas Latino Legacy Award, which honors individuals whose leadership and service have opened doors and created opportunities for the Latino community across Texas.

Mrs. Leza was honored on August 18 in Irving, TX, at The Texas Latino Legacy Awards presented by The Concilio in partnership with Latino Leaders Magazine, organizations that have championed educational achievement and economic opportunity for Texas communities for decades. This recognition highlights her decades-long commitment to strengthening instruction, empowering educators, and expanding opportunities for students throughout United ISD.

“It was deeply humbling and incredibly meaningful. Throughout my career, my focus has always been on serving children and creating opportunities for them to succeed,” said Mrs. Leza. “I see this recognition not as an individual accomplishment, but as a reflection of the many educators, colleagues, families, and students who have been part of this journey with me.”

Throughout her career, Mrs. Emma Leza has played a pivotal role in developing and strengthening instructional systems designed to help students reach their full potential. Her work has included refining curriculum and instructional practices, expanding professional learning for teachers and leaders, strengthening data-informed practices, integrating technology, and developing systems to more effectively monitor student progress.

One of the initiatives she helped advance was the implementation of Magnetic Reading and Mosaico for emergent bilingual students, providing a more structured phonics foundation for young readers. The results were significant. The district’s 2026 kindergarten cohort achieved an 88% proficiency rate at or above grade level, marking an unprecedented milestone and reflecting the collective efforts of educators, students, and families.

Mrs. Leza has also championed instructional coaching for campus and district leaders, guided by the belief that everyone needs a coach to grow. Her approach has centered on empowering educators to facilitate instruction that helps students take ownership of their learning.

Her leadership has also been deeply rooted in her commitment to the Latino community and to ensuring that students see themselves as capable of achieving their goals.

“Serving our Laredo Latino community means making sure our children see themselves as capable of achieving anything they are willing to work for. It also means being a role model and demonstrating that our voices, our experiences, and our contributions matter,” said Mrs. Leza.

UISD Superintendent Dr. Gerardo Cruz praised Mrs. Leza for her recognition and the impact of her leadership on students and families throughout the district.

“On behalf of the entire United ISD community, I want to congratulate Associate Superintendent Emma Leza on receiving the inaugural Texas Latino Legacy Award. For 45 years, The Concilio, in partnership with Latino Leaders Magazine, has championed educational achievement and economic opportunity across Texas, and seeing Mrs. Leza recognized among such extraordinary statewide visionaries fills us with immense pride. Her selection as an Established Leader highlights the transformational, everyday impact she makes right here in our district. Mrs. Leza’s tireless dedication to elevating Latino student outcomes, breaking down barriers, and opening doors for future generations exemplifies the very best of public education.”

As she reflects on her career, Mrs. Emma Leza hopes her legacy will be measured by the students and educators she served.  

“I hope my legacy is that I helped create opportunities for children and empowered educators to believe in their ability to make a difference. I want to be remembered as someone who led with purpose, believed in people, and never lost sight of why we were doing the work,” she said.

United ISD congratulates Emma Leza on this distinguished recognition and celebrates her continued commitment to creating a stronger future through education.